Title & Chapter Number: Elencálë (The Light of the Elves) 4/?
Author(s): - Author's Index
Fandom: Middle Earth/Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
Rating: NC-17 Romance/Adventure
Disclaimer:
Warnings:
Betas:
Cast: Legolas/Shu Lien
Timeline: AU - Post RotK
Spoilers: None
Summary: This story takes place about 100 years after the quest of the One Ring. Even after the fall of Sauron, the foul breath of evil can still be felt on the winds of Middle Earth. Some say it is just the nature of the world, the shadow of the light. Some say it is rising and has once again become sentient. King Elessar rules with a just and even hand, but Men throughout the land are falling into darkness, succumbing to greed, hatred and violence among themselves and against the world. The Light of the Elves departs as the Eldar continue to withdraw to the West, leaving darkness in their wake.
Notes: Elves do not close their eyes during Reverie. While I have updated the sexual culture of the Eldar to reflect more modern values (and indeed the fact that I feel that such sensual and advanced beings would revel in such a pass time and consider it natural and pure), the concept that Elves can tell if other Elves have had sex actually is Tolkien's.
Chapter 4
Elessar, Legolas, Elrohir and Gimli stood respectfully as the women entered the informal dining room. Legolas' eyes locked on Shu Lien instantly. Walking beside the exquisite Arwen, her grace was even more apparent instead of less. Unlike the delicate flowing Elf, Shu Lien moved with a simple fluid tension, like a water bead across a lily pad or a drop of mercury. The gait of a warrior. Elrohir leaned toward Legolas whispering, "She moves like an Elf." and then smiled taking note of the fact that Legolas' eyes did not stray from Shu Lien as he nodded his absent assent.
Shu Lien walked into the room and her eyes automatically took in her surroundings as she walked serenely behind the Elf. It was a medium-sized room, warmly lit with candles. The stone walls had been covered with tapestries and on the floor was a tightly woven woolen rug. The dark heavy table in the middle could have sat ten, but currently there were only four gathered around it. Shu Lien's eyes went immediately to Legolas and she smiled. To his right was a tall dark-haired Elf that could only be Elrohir and to his other side was a small stout fellow that must be the dwarf Gimli. Shu Lien's eyes lingered on him a moment as she took in every detail. She had never seen a dwarf. At the head of the table, to Elrohir's right was an imposing man whose hair was almost completely gray. This must be King Elessar. Arwen brought her up to him and he smiled kindly. Shu Lien brought her palms together immediately and bowed low, waiting until her introduction was completed before rising again.
"Lord Elessar." Shu Lien simply said lowering her eyes slightly. "Your hospitality has been most gracious. You honor me."
"Lady Shu Lien. It is our pleasure." He touched his forehead respectfully. "Indeed our duty, especially since you travel on Elvish business to my wife's father. Please, such formality is not needed among friends. Join us." Elessar indicated the seat to his right. Shu Lien sat pulling her chair in and looking across the table at the three males as Arwen sat beside her. Elessar sat and then turned to her speaking again in Sindarin. "Do you know the Common Speech as well? Gimli does not speak Elvish, though he is found continuously in the company of an Elf." He looked wickedly over at Gimli, knowing he understood enough Sindarin to understand these words. Gimli puffed slightly.
Shu Lien smiled and placed her palms together, inclining her head. "Master Dwarf, it is an honor." Her Common Speech was heavily accented, but fluent enough. "I fear my grasp of Common is slightly stunted. We use it little in our realm. Please forgive my stumbles!"
"Gimli son of Gloin at your service, Lady. If Aragorn spoke half as fair as you he might do a better job of running Gondor." Gimli returned in his gravelly voice mirthfully eyeing Elessar who feigned injury.
Elessar spoke again, "You know Legolas of Mirkwood, son of King Thranduil, of course." Shu Lien bowed again, a warm smile on her lips. "And Elrohir, son of Lord Elrond, brother to Arwen."
"My Lady, the moon hangs at our window, jealous your grace and beauty." Elrohir said dashingly in Quenya, touching his forehead as Shu Lien bowed again.
And so an amiable evening began. Shu Lien watched in amusement as they all bantered back and forth good-naturedly. While shield mates and friends would often joke and jibe in friendly ways on the road or after training, such casual cheerfulness and banter in the presence of a ruler or at a meal would never have occurred in her realm. There was a strict code of formality and respect around many situations that was traced back to centuries of tradition and discipline, especially among the Mandärin. It was refreshing even if it made her slightly uncomfortable.
They did a good job of politely steering clear of asking any questions of her until she was comfortable and gave her more history and news of Middle Earth. The quest of the One Ring was related to her in rousing and lengthy detail. As the conversation stretched into the night, curiosity began to get the better of the group.
Finally Elrohir said with the signature twinkle in his eye, "All we know of the Mandärin is an ancient ballad that is no longer even sung. Our people have thought you a myth."
Shu Lien smiled broadly, "I see our cultures differ considerably. Among my people it is considered treasonous to speak of a ballad and not sing it!" All at the table laughed except Gimli who rolled his eyes groaning.
Elrohir acquiesced cheerfully and began the ballad in a clear, crystal voice. The ballad told the ancient story of how the Mandärin had heroically protected the Amaurëa in a battle millennia ago even though their lives were mortal. In addition to describing the Amaurëa, it spoke some of the basic traditions and values of her people.
When he had finished, Arwen turned to Shu Lien and stated, "The Mandärin are monks."
"Yes, we are a spiritual order who meditate and train our bodies as your ballad says. We dedicate our lives to our practice, vowing celibacy and a monastic life, so that our mortal lives may be completely committed to our training and may then bring compassion and peace into the world."
"And yet you hire yourselves out as mercenaries?" Arwen asked, not challenging but just trying to understand.
"We are a practical people, and do not impose ourselves on the generosity of others. This is how we earn our keep, with skills we already possess. In addition to keeping the spiritual integrity of our traditions, we keep the physical peace. We hire ourselves out as protection for goods and people along the Eastern corridor. We work closely with the Amaurëa, and often serve them and, as the ballad says, guard them as our own brethren. However the Eastern ways are ways of honor. The mark of an exceptional warrior is one who has never killed. The Mandärin defeat opposition not by taking life but by wit and superior skill. The Amaurëa also abide by a similar code... Do your people always use the bow in battle?" Shu Lien spoke to Legolas.
He nodded, "It is the Elvish weapon of choice in Middle Earth."
"The Amaurëa use archery to hunt occasionally, but never in battle. It is considered dishonorable in our realm. Among our peoples, it is important to look into the eyes of your opponent." Shu Lien paused, looking down into her lap. "However our world is not like yours. Indeed, in all my years of battle, I had never taken life before I crossed the Entaramba on this journey." Her face darkened as she tried to quell the despair bubbling up from her core.
Elessar spoke quietly, "The Uruk-Hai have no honor, they know only violence and hatred."
Without looking up Shu Lien hissed "So we discovered, but not before our ignorance cost us lives." She took a shaky breath and continued "Even in the months that followed, my people - well-trained Mandärin and Elves - were slaughtered gruesomely by the overwhelming and twisted hatred of Mordor... and I could do naught but preserve my own life and protect my charge." Shu Lien barely whispered.
Arwen put a gentle hand on her arm as an uneasy silence settled over the dining hall. Shaking her head slightly, Shu Lien brought herself back to her center and a serene mask fell over her face. "Forgive me. I forget my manners. I am a very rude dinner guest, indeed." She attempted a sniffing smile.
"Not at all. All here have experienced the pain and evil of which you speak. Even after the destruction of the One Ring, darkness haunts Middle Earth. I mourn the loss of these ancient ways of which you speak, and wish we could bring this light back into our world. You must be looking forward very much to returning to the Romanórë ." Elessar spoke with compassion.
Shu Lien looked at him and a sad smile flickered on her face "My world will not be as I left it, should I live to return. As we are forever learning, life is change. This quest is made as the last request of the Amaurëa before they leave our shores for the Undying Lands." Shu Lien took a deep breath of sorrow before continuing. "I cannot imagine how they could endure the Calling of the sea, living so close to its pounding waves - our cities are less than a day's journey. They truly loved our homeland." Shu Lien looked with deep compassion to all of the Elves present, her eyes finally resting on Legolas. "So you see, I look forward to nothing but the completion of my duty." Shu Lien returned her eyes to Elessar. He tactfully switched the subject.
"There is much I would ask you of your people's ways. I hope you will consider accepting our hospitality for some time before continuing on with your journey." Elessar invited.
"Thank you for your kindness. I dare not tarry here, I would not bring the evil that hounds me to the gates of your city. I must continue on the day after the next." Shu Lien stated firmly.
Elessar sighed slightly. "Well, forgive me then, I am a warrior before a gracious host. I would dearly like a display of your craft before you leave. Legolas has spoken long of your technique and virtuosity." He said arching his brows in Legolas' direction.
Shu Lien laughed lightly, relieved to be back in comfortable territory. "Well, since he is such an expert, perhaps he would like to help me demonstrate?" She grinned at Legolas. "A match, perhaps? I have not had the opportunity to spar in many months and it would be an honor to be challenged by such an exceptional warrior, as he has shown himself to be." Legolas smiled and nodded his assent.
Arwen broke in, "We have taken enough of your rest this evening with our idle chatter. Rest is surely your most precious commodity if you will be leaving so soon. Legolas, would you be so kind as to escort Shu Lien to her rooms, and you may discuss the details of the morrow." Legolas rose as did Shu Lien. With a final bow and words of thanks, Shu Lien withdrew at Legolas' side. Arwen watched them leave with a smile. She had never seen Legolas look so comfortable with someone in such a short amount of time.
~*~*~*~
Legolas and Shu Lien walked down the dim stone halls at a leisurely pace in silence. Shu Lien was thinking about her homeland and the journey ahead and Legolas was processing all of the information he had gotten about Shu Lien's world. The silence was completely comfortable, there was no need for forced pleasantries. Shu Lien found herself wondering why she had felt she had known Legolas for years instead of days. Perhaps it was the battle in the woods, but she felt relaxed, at ease and completely peaceful around him. This was somewhat unusual for her. She kept people at a distance because she herself felt distant from others. She had had many friends among both the Mandärin and Amaurëa, but very few were ever considered close. Her practice was always first and that space of true friendship was never consciously missed.
Legolas led them to her room by way of the gardens and the cool night air felt cleansing and sweet after the suffocating stone of the castle. They both instinctively slowed the pace further as soon as they reached the grass and trees which were kissed with silver from the moon. The clear sky was as velvet with the jewels of the night sparkling with friendly winks to all below. Shu Lien breathed deeply.
Legolas looked over at her and smiled. "This enclosed, stone architecture of Gondor takes some getting used to, does it not?" Shu Lien laughed softly looking like she was caught.
"The Mandärin prefer houses that are very open to the world." She explained somewhat chagrinned.
"So do the Wood Elves. I wish you could see Mirkwood. I think you would like it." Legolas said spontaneously.
"I am sure I would." Shu Lien met his eyes, touched for some reason.
They soon came upon the stone stairway up to her rooms. Shu Lien climbed the first step and turned. Legolas leaned on the banister, regarding her. The extra step made up the height difference and a little more so that her eyes were just above his eye level.
"At what time tomorrow will we meet?" Legolas asked, eyes taking in the details of this different angle.
"I wake before sunrise for meditation. After this I train. So I can be ready anytime before or after breakfast." Shu Lien's eyes swept over Legolas' face briefly.
"I will come for you then in the early day and bring you to the weapons hall." Legolas stated.
"Meet me out here." Shu Lien's smile slowly faded as she regarded him silently and unhurried. In this pause they could each hear their own breaths. Reaching out a hand she very lightly touched Legolas' jaw, tilting his face up slightly. Legolas' eyes closed briefly at her gentle touch. She looked slowly from one of his eyes to the other, her warm, calloused fingers still resting against his chin. "The sea rages within you." Shu Lien stated softly.
Legolas answered almost in a whisper. "It is worse at night. During the day I can still ignore it."
Shu Lien let her hand drop slowly. "When will you leave?"
"I know not. I have been trying to get up the courage to leave these shores for some time, but something always holds me back." Legolas looked down as he spoke.
Shu Lien sighed. "Leaving all that you have known is a very difficult thing." Legolas looked up and their eyes met again, compassion and understanding exchanging between them.
"May the stars shine brightly on your rest." Legolas smiled warmly.
"Good night." Shu Lien bowed slightly and lightly ascended the steps.
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